EP3110663B1 - Mirror adjustment mechanism, in particular for a wing mirror for a motor vehicle - Google Patents
Mirror adjustment mechanism, in particular for a wing mirror for a motor vehicle Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- EP3110663B1 EP3110663B1 EP15710950.5A EP15710950A EP3110663B1 EP 3110663 B1 EP3110663 B1 EP 3110663B1 EP 15710950 A EP15710950 A EP 15710950A EP 3110663 B1 EP3110663 B1 EP 3110663B1
- Authority
- EP
- European Patent Office
- Prior art keywords
- mirror
- adjustment mechanism
- spring ring
- ball portion
- base part
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Active
Links
- 230000007246 mechanism Effects 0.000 title claims description 53
- 238000013016 damping Methods 0.000 claims description 28
- 230000007935 neutral effect Effects 0.000 claims description 6
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- 210000004124 hock Anatomy 0.000 claims 1
- 239000004033 plastic Substances 0.000 description 6
- 229920003023 plastic Polymers 0.000 description 6
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 description 5
- 238000005452 bending Methods 0.000 description 4
- 230000001419 dependent effect Effects 0.000 description 4
- 239000013013 elastic material Substances 0.000 description 4
- 238000004519 manufacturing process Methods 0.000 description 4
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- 230000008901 benefit Effects 0.000 description 2
- 230000000295 complement effect Effects 0.000 description 2
- 239000013536 elastomeric material Substances 0.000 description 2
- 229920002725 thermoplastic elastomer Polymers 0.000 description 2
- 230000008719 thickening Effects 0.000 description 2
- 244000043261 Hevea brasiliensis Species 0.000 description 1
- 230000007423 decrease Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000003247 decreasing effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 229920001971 elastomer Polymers 0.000 description 1
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- 229920002457 flexible plastic Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 238000001746 injection moulding Methods 0.000 description 1
- 229920003052 natural elastomer Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 229920001194 natural rubber Polymers 0.000 description 1
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Images
Classifications
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60R—VEHICLES, VEHICLE FITTINGS, OR VEHICLE PARTS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- B60R1/00—Optical viewing arrangements; Real-time viewing arrangements for drivers or passengers using optical image capturing systems, e.g. cameras or video systems specially adapted for use in or on vehicles
- B60R1/02—Rear-view mirror arrangements
- B60R1/06—Rear-view mirror arrangements mounted on vehicle exterior
- B60R1/062—Rear-view mirror arrangements mounted on vehicle exterior with remote control for adjusting position
- B60R1/07—Rear-view mirror arrangements mounted on vehicle exterior with remote control for adjusting position by electrically powered actuators
- B60R1/072—Rear-view mirror arrangements mounted on vehicle exterior with remote control for adjusting position by electrically powered actuators for adjusting the mirror relative to its housing
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60R—VEHICLES, VEHICLE FITTINGS, OR VEHICLE PARTS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- B60R1/00—Optical viewing arrangements; Real-time viewing arrangements for drivers or passengers using optical image capturing systems, e.g. cameras or video systems specially adapted for use in or on vehicles
- B60R1/006—Side-view mirrors, e.g. V-shaped mirrors located at the front or rear part of the vehicle
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60R—VEHICLES, VEHICLE FITTINGS, OR VEHICLE PARTS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- B60R1/00—Optical viewing arrangements; Real-time viewing arrangements for drivers or passengers using optical image capturing systems, e.g. cameras or video systems specially adapted for use in or on vehicles
- B60R1/02—Rear-view mirror arrangements
- B60R1/06—Rear-view mirror arrangements mounted on vehicle exterior
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60R—VEHICLES, VEHICLE FITTINGS, OR VEHICLE PARTS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- B60R1/00—Optical viewing arrangements; Real-time viewing arrangements for drivers or passengers using optical image capturing systems, e.g. cameras or video systems specially adapted for use in or on vehicles
- B60R1/02—Rear-view mirror arrangements
- B60R1/06—Rear-view mirror arrangements mounted on vehicle exterior
- B60R1/062—Rear-view mirror arrangements mounted on vehicle exterior with remote control for adjusting position
- B60R1/064—Rear-view mirror arrangements mounted on vehicle exterior with remote control for adjusting position by manually powered actuators
- B60R1/066—Rear-view mirror arrangements mounted on vehicle exterior with remote control for adjusting position by manually powered actuators for adjusting the mirror relative to its housing
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60R—VEHICLES, VEHICLE FITTINGS, OR VEHICLE PARTS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- B60R1/00—Optical viewing arrangements; Real-time viewing arrangements for drivers or passengers using optical image capturing systems, e.g. cameras or video systems specially adapted for use in or on vehicles
- B60R1/02—Rear-view mirror arrangements
- B60R1/06—Rear-view mirror arrangements mounted on vehicle exterior
- B60R1/062—Rear-view mirror arrangements mounted on vehicle exterior with remote control for adjusting position
- B60R1/064—Rear-view mirror arrangements mounted on vehicle exterior with remote control for adjusting position by manually powered actuators
- B60R1/066—Rear-view mirror arrangements mounted on vehicle exterior with remote control for adjusting position by manually powered actuators for adjusting the mirror relative to its housing
- B60R1/068—Rear-view mirror arrangements mounted on vehicle exterior with remote control for adjusting position by manually powered actuators for adjusting the mirror relative to its housing using cables
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
- F16C—SHAFTS; FLEXIBLE SHAFTS; ELEMENTS OR CRANKSHAFT MECHANISMS; ROTARY BODIES OTHER THAN GEARING ELEMENTS; BEARINGS
- F16C11/00—Pivots; Pivotal connections
- F16C11/04—Pivotal connections
- F16C11/06—Ball-joints; Other joints having more than one degree of angular freedom, i.e. universal joints
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
- F16F—SPRINGS; SHOCK-ABSORBERS; MEANS FOR DAMPING VIBRATION
- F16F1/00—Springs
- F16F1/02—Springs made of steel or other material having low internal friction; Wound, torsion, leaf, cup, ring or the like springs, the material of the spring not being relevant
- F16F1/025—Springs made of steel or other material having low internal friction; Wound, torsion, leaf, cup, ring or the like springs, the material of the spring not being relevant characterised by having a particular shape
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
- F16F—SPRINGS; SHOCK-ABSORBERS; MEANS FOR DAMPING VIBRATION
- F16F1/00—Springs
- F16F1/02—Springs made of steel or other material having low internal friction; Wound, torsion, leaf, cup, ring or the like springs, the material of the spring not being relevant
- F16F1/04—Wound springs
- F16F1/12—Attachments or mountings
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
- F16F—SPRINGS; SHOCK-ABSORBERS; MEANS FOR DAMPING VIBRATION
- F16F1/00—Springs
- F16F1/02—Springs made of steel or other material having low internal friction; Wound, torsion, leaf, cup, ring or the like springs, the material of the spring not being relevant
- F16F1/04—Wound springs
- F16F1/12—Attachments or mountings
- F16F1/128—Attachments or mountings with motion-limiting means, e.g. with a full-length guide element or ball joint connections; with protective outer cover
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
- F16F—SPRINGS; SHOCK-ABSORBERS; MEANS FOR DAMPING VIBRATION
- F16F1/00—Springs
- F16F1/02—Springs made of steel or other material having low internal friction; Wound, torsion, leaf, cup, ring or the like springs, the material of the spring not being relevant
- F16F1/34—Ring springs, i.e. annular bodies deformed radially due to axial load
Definitions
- the invention relates to a mirror adjustment mechanism according to the introductory portion of claim 1 and a wing mirror unit for a motor vehicle according to the introductory portion of claim 18.
- the invention relates to a mirror adjustment mechanism, in particular for a wing mirror for a motor vehicle, having a base part with a mirror support arranged pivotally relative thereto, wherein between the base part and the mirror support a damping means is arranged, comprising a collar portion, coupled to the mirror support, encompassing a ball portion, coupled to the base portion, or vice versa, both constituting a ball joint arrangement.
- Such a mirror adjustment mechanism is well known.
- the pivotable arrangement of the mirror support relative to the base part makes it possible to adjust a mirror element coupled with the mirror support relative to the base part.
- the damping means prevents vibrations of the mirror element relative to the base part. Especially at higher speeds and with mirror elements having relatively high weights, such vibrations can become strongly manifest.
- the damping means is provided as a damping spring constructed as a resilient flap, injection molded integrally with the actuator housing, which cooperates with the inner surface of an annular flange injection molded integrally with the mirror support.
- the damping spring is constructed as a spring leg integrally injection molded with the mirror support, which cooperates with the inner side of the mirror cap.
- An advantage of a plastic damping spring that cooperates with a plastic contact track is the good damping of vibrations.
- the spring force of the plastic damping spring is not constant.
- the spring force decreases over time as a result of relaxation of the plastic material. Relaxation is the phenomenon that in a deformed plastic part, given equal loading, the internal stresses become lower over time, and that as a result the force exerted by the deformed part on its environment also becomes smaller. Also, the spring force of the plastic material is considerably lower at high temperatures.
- the mirror adjustment mechanism is provided with a relatively high initial spring force. This makes assembly more difficult and requires a relatively heavy construction.
- the high initial clamping force necessitates the use of relatively heavy-duty and costly electric motors to overcome the rather high moments of friction connected with the relatively high clamping force.
- a mirror adjustment mechanism comprising a damping means with a damping spring enforced by an auxiliary spring, wherein this auxiliary spring is provided as a bending rod or a band spring arranged at the mirror support forcing a damping spring member against a damping spring counter member.
- the auxiliary spring is thereby received in complex bearing means.
- Document FR 2 714 638 A1 discloses a mirror adjustment mechanism according to the preamble of claim 1.
- the object of the invention is to provide a mirror adjustment mechanism of the type mentioned in the introductory portion, in which the above disadvantages can be prevented while preserving the above advantages.
- the invention provides a mirror adjustment mechanism according to claim 1 and a wing mirror unit for a motor vehicle according to claim 18.
- the invention especially relates to a mirror adjustment mechanism, in particular for a wing mirror for a motor vehicle, having a base part with a mirror support arranged pivotally relative thereto, wherein between the base part and the mirror support a damping means is arranged, comprising a collar portion, coupled to the mirror support, encompassing a ball portion, coupled to the base part, or vice versa, both constituting a ball joint arrangement, wherein a slide element slidingly engaged between the ball portion and the collar portion in such a way that it restrains movement of the collar portion relative to the ball portion, resulting from movement the mirror support relative to the base part, wherein the slide element is a spring ring slidingly abutting on contact surfaces of the ball portion and coupled to the collar portion.
- the base part and the mirror support whilst preserving the good damping properties, can be placed under relative action in a durable, very effective and reliable manner, wherein due to the arrangement of the spring ring slidingly abutting on contact surfaces of the ball portion and coupled to the collar portion a more reliable and more easy to assemble mirror adjustment mechanism can be provided.
- the initial spring force can be chosen to be considerably lower, so that assembly can be facilitated, the construction can be made of lighter design, and any electric motors can likewise be made of lighter design.
- a slide element constructed as a spring ring which is slidingly abutting on contact surfaces of the ball portion and which is further coupled to the collar portion provides a damping means which eliminates vibrations and especially high frequency vibrations the mirror adjustment mechanism is subjected to especially during use, wherein further an assembly is provided which can without difficulty be assembled comprising easy to manufacture parts.
- a ball joint arrangement is an arrangement where the outer collar portion encompasses the inner ball portion in such a way that the two portions are pivotably connected to each other, but non-detachably coupled in at least one direction and/or axis, under the impact of normal forces, occurring during use of the mirror adjustment mechanism.
- This axis is here the connection axis between the ball portion and the collar portion.
- the ball portion could be every portion comprising contact surfaces arranged complementary to the collar portion so that the above pivotable arrangement in combination with the coupling in at least one direction and/or axis is provided.
- a ball portion could for example be a cup- or spherical-shaped body, wherein this body can comprise distinct and separated contact surfaces or comprise one or more consistent contact surfaces, the surfaces preferably extending along the ball portion and especially along its outer surfaces. It is also possible to provide such a ball portion only by an annular or similar curved or spherical arrangement of contact surfaces and similar surfaces, which are preferably distant from each other and which are preferably separated by recesses, even or uneven elements etc. The same applies to a collar portion, which could comprise collar elements and preferably flaps arranged consistent around the collar portion or distinct and separated from each other.
- the spring ring is constructed as a separate part, and preferably a separate part which is detachably mounted to the mirror adjustment mechanism. This enables the use of a specific spring rings dependent on the mirror mounted to the mirror support, the intended use of the mirror, the forces acting on the mirror adjustment mechanism etc. By use of a specific spring ring the mirror adjustment mechanism can be easily adapted to the respective needs.
- the spring ring is coupled and arranged in such a way that it slides along the contact surfaces of the ball portion when the mirror support is pivoted relative to the base part.
- friction forces are interacting between the spring ring and the contact surfaces. If the spring ring slides along the contact surfaces of the ball portion, when the mirror support is pivoted relative to the base part, these friction forces have to be overcome, thereby hindering movement of the ball portion relative to the collar portion resulting in damping of movement between the two portions and further between the base part and the mirror support. Beside these damping abilities pivoting of the mirror support relative to the base part is possible, thereby overcoming the friction forces i.a. applied by the spring ring.
- the collar portion is coupled to the spring ring in such a way that it has no direct contact to the ball portion and preferably to the contact surfaces.
- the collar portion and preferably an attachment area, the area the spring ring is coupled to the collar portion, is distant from the ball portion. Therefore damping and pivoting hindering abilities of the mirror adjustment mechanism are dependent on the spring ring features and not on the collar portion arrangement. Therefore these abilities are easy to adjust. Furthermore, assembly of the damping spring and the base part and the mirror support respectively is easily possible.
- the collar portion is arranged and coupled to the spring ring in such a way that it forces at least part of the slide element against the contact surface of the ball portion.
- This i.a. results in increased friction forces acting on the contact surface and therefore in an increased damping ability.
- the initial spring force can be easily chosen and adapted dependent on the respective needs.
- the ball portion at least partly comprises a cup or similar spherical shape, with a base portion facing in a proximal direction away from the collar portion and at least one inclined or similar curved side wall comprising at least one contact surface and extending in an opposite direction, namely a distal direction.
- the cup-shaped or similar spherical-shaped ball portion is abutting and/or attached to the base part or the mirror support, respectively, via its base portion.
- a base portion could be any portion where the inclined or similar curved side walls are attached or connected to.
- the collar portion is preferably constructed in a complementary way, at least partly encompassing the cup-shaped or spherical-shaped ball portion and preferably in such a way that the ball portion could be pivoted relative to the collar portion, however being coupled to the collar portion in at least one axial direction and/or axis.
- the ball portion broadens in its distal direction and preferably in the area of its contact surfaces and more preferably in the area where the collar portion encompasses the ball portion. Broadening preferably means that planes extending perpendicular to the distal direction and defined by the respective parts of the contact surfaces increase along said distal direction.
- the spring ring is attached onto the ball portion abutting to the contact surfaces and coupled with the collar element in such a pretensioned way that it forces the ball portion and the collar portion against its each other.
- a spring ring is attached on inclined contact surfaces in a pretensioned way, e.g. if its ring diameter is elastically increased, the spring ring tries to slide along these inclined contact surfaces, thereby reducing the pretension and decreasing its diameter, respectively.
- the contact surfaces are not simply inclined, but curved or similarly arranged.
- the spring ring is attached to the ball portion abutting the contact surfaces in a pretensioned way resulting in an increased ring diameter when the base part and the mirror support are arranged in a neutral position without pivotation relative to each other.
- the two portions are pretensioned relative to each other even in a neutral position. This results in a sufficient and reliable damping and also in elimination of play occurring between the two portions and between the base part and the mirror support.
- the contact surface is arranged in such a way that during a pivotation of the mirror support relative to the base part of basically ⁇ 15°, preferably basically ⁇ 12.5°, the spring ring abuts against at least one of the contact surfaces. During this pivotation the spring ring and its respective abutment portions of the spring ring slide along the contact surfaces corresponding to the ⁇ 15°, preferably basically ⁇ 12.5° pivotation.
- the contact surface comprises a constant curvature in an area the slide ring slides along during a pivotation of the mirror support relative to the base part of basically ⁇ 15°, preferably basically ⁇ 12.5°.
- the contact surface comprises a constant curvature at least along a length the spring ring and its respective abutment portions travel along the contact surfaces during the pivotation.
- the spring ring is constructed in such a way that its ring diameter can be elastically increased.
- Such an arrangement could for example be a spring ring made from a helical or coil spring, respectively.
- Such an arrangement could also be achieved by using an elastic material for manufacturing the spring ring.
- the spring ring is constructed as an open ring element, its material is made from a metal and preferably from spring steel.
- the spring ring can also be manufactured from elastomeric material, for instance natural rubber or thermoplastic rubber, e.g. as an elastically rubber or similar ring element.
- the spring ring is manufactured from thermoplastic elastomeric material, it can be efficiently manufactured by means of so-called two-component injection molding.
- the spring ring abuts against the ball portion with distinct abutment portions preferably formed as projections or similar embossments.
- These abutment portions reduce the contact areas of the spring ring and therefore reduce the impact moisture, temperature and dirt has on the mirror adjustment mechanism.
- the abutment portions could for example be defined by projections of the spring ring, wherein these projections are e.g. respective bendings of the spring ring. It is also possible to provide respective projections by integrally attaching additional material to the spring ring, for example respective thickenings, or attaching respective abutment elements, which are for example clamped or similar attached and preferably detachably attached to the spring ring. Here e.g. separate thickening elements or similar projection elements could be attached to the spring ring.
- the spring ring is arranged at and/or attached to the collar portion, wherein the collar portion has recesses or similar openings the spring ring extends through for abutting on the ball portion and preferably extends through with abutment portions preferably formed as projections or similar embossments as mentioned before.
- the invention also relates to a wing mirror unit for a motor vehicle, comprising a mirror cap provided with a mirror adjustment mechanism according to any of the before mentioned embodiments, and a mirror unit coupled with the mirror support of the mirror adjustment mechanism.
- Figs. 1-3 show a mirror adjustment mechanism 1 for a wing mirror for a motor vehicle.
- the mirror adjustment mechanism 1 comprises a base part 2 with a mirror support 3 arranged pivotably relative thereto.
- the pivotable arrangement is realized by means of a cross piece, not shown, with which a cardan joint between base part 2 and mirror support 3 is realized.
- the crosspiece can pivot about a first axis, for instance the x-axis, relative to the base part 2.
- the mirror support 3 is subsequently pivotable about a second axis, for instance the y-axis, connected with the cross piece.
- This manner of connecting the base part 2, which is here formed by the actuator housing is generally known and is used inter alia in the product Mirror Actuator model 960 of Eaton Automotive B.V. and is described more in detail in the Dutch patent application 7905806 .
- the damping means comprises a collar portion 6, which is coupled to the mirror support 3 and which encompasses a ball portion 8, wherein said ball portion 8 is coupled to the base part 2.
- this arrangement could be provided vice versa, which means that the collar portion is coupled to the base part and the ball portion is coupled to the mirror support, respectively.
- the coupling of the before mentioned portions 6, 8 to the mirror support 3 and the base part 2, respectively, could be provided in multiple ways, e.g. as an integral connection, a detachable connection or as an assembly detachable or non-detachable etc.
- the collar portion 6 encompasses the ball portion 8 in such a way that they both constitute a ball joint arrangement.
- the relative pivoting of the two portions 6, 8 is ⁇ 15° and preferably ⁇ 12.5° as indicated by reference sign ⁇ in Fig. 2 .
- a slide element 10 is slidingly engaged between the ball portion 8 and the collar portion 6 in such a way that it restrains movement of the collar portion 6 relative to the ball portion 8, resulting from movement of the mirror support 3 relative to the base part 2, wherein the slide element 10 is a spring ring 10 slidingly abutting on contact surfaces 12 of the ball portion 8 and which is further coupled to the collar portion 6.
- the spring ring 10 is constructed as a separate part, preferably a separate part which is detachably mounted. This is also depicted in fig. 3 , wherein here all related parts of the adjustment mechanism except for the spring ring 10 are drawn translucent to enable a perspective view of the spring ring 10.
- the spring ring 10 is coupled and arranged in such a way that it slides along the contact surfaces 12 of the ball portion 8, when the mirror support 3 is pivoted relative to the base part 2 (resulting in a deflection ⁇ ⁇ ).
- the respective contact surfaces 12 are arranged distinct from each other separated by recess portions 13. These recess portions 13 are here used for assembling the different parts of the base part 2.
- the collar portion 6 is preferably coupled to the spring ring 10 in such a way that it has no direct contact to the ball portion 8 and furthermore no direct contact to the respective contact surfaces 12. That means that the collar portion 6 is distant from the ball portion 8 and the contact surfaces 12, respectively, especially in the area where the spring ring 10 is arranged.
- the collar portion 6 is preferably arranged and coupled to the spring ring 10 in such a way that it forces at least part of the spring ring 10 against the contact surfaces 12 of the ball portion 8.
- the collar portion 6 forces the spring ring 10 against the contact surfaces of the ball portion in two axis, namely along an axis Ap parallel to a distal direction D D and along an axis A V vertical to said direction D D (see figs 1 and 2 ).
- the collar portion 8 preferably has at least one hook or similar coupling element 7 by which it is detachably hooked or similarly coupled to the spring ring 10.
- said hook element 7 comprises a first flank 7.1 hooking against the spring ring 10 in such a way that when the collar portion 6 is forced relative to the base part 2 in a distal direction D D (i.e. forced away from the base portion, see fig. 1 ) a force is initiated on the spring ring 10 also acting in this distal direction D D .
- the hook element 7 comprises a second flank 7.2 which is arranged in such a way that it forces at least part of the spring ring 10 against the contact surfaces 12 of the ball portion in a direction perpendicular to the before mentioned distal direction D D .
- the corresponding contact surfaces 12 of the ball portion 8 are inclined relative to this distal direction D D so that the before mentioned forces initiated by the first flank 7.1 and the second flank 7.2 result in an elastic deflection of the spring ring 10 increasing its ring diameter d R (see fig. 7 ) against the spring forces of the spring 10.
- the ball portion 8 comprises a cup or similar spherical shape, wherein a base portion 14 of this cup shape is facing in a proximal direction Dp (see fig. 1 ), i.e. away from the collar portion 6, and wherein at least one inclined or similarly curved side wall 16 which comprises the contact surfaces 12 is extending in an opposite direction, namely in the distal direction D D .
- the ball portion 8 with this embodiment broadens in its distal direction D D and preferably in the area of its contact surfaces 12 and more preferably in the area where the collar portion 6 encompasses the ball portion 8.
- the spring ring 10 is preferably attached onto the ball portion 8 abutting to the contact surfaces 12 and coupled with the collar element 6 in such a pretensioned way that it forces the ball portion 8 and the collar portion 6 against each other.
- the spring ring 10 is preferably attached to the ball portion 8 abutting the contact surfaces 12 in a pretensioned way, which is resulting in an increased ring diameter of the spring ring 10.
- the base part 2 and the mirror support 3 are arranged relative to each other in a neutral position, where a pivotation angle ⁇ is zero.
- the contact surfaces 12 preferably comprise a constant curvature in an area the spring ring 10 slides along during the before mentioned pivotation of the mirror support 3 relative to the base part 2 of basically ⁇ 15°, preferably basically 12.5°.
- the spring ring 10 With regard to the abutment of the spring ring 10 to the contact surfaces 12 it can be seen especially in figs. 1 and 3 that the spring ring only abuts to the ball portion 8 in individual contact surfaces 12 which are separated from each other by the recesses 13. Here all different separation elements known from the art could be used for separation of the contact surfaces. Furthermore, the punctual abutment of the spring ring 12 in multiple abutment portions (this are the portions in contact with the contact surfaces 12) furthermore guarantees a smooth sliding along the ball portion 8 and its contact surfaces 12.
- the spring ring 10 comprises distinct abutment portions which are preferably formed as projections or similar embossments, wherein of course it is also possible that these abutment portions are generated by the separation of multiple distinct contact surfaces on the ball portion 8 as shown in figs. 1 to 3 .
- the spring ring 10 is constructed in such a way that its ring diameter can be elastically increased.
- the spring ring 10 is preferably manufactured from metal and here from spring steel and furthermore as an elastically open ring element.
- a spring ring 10 could be used which is constructed as an element, flexibly prolongable along its longitudinal axis, and preferably as a closed ring element.
- Such a spring ring 10 could for example be a spring ring made from a helical or coil spring or having a zigzag arrangement constructed from an elastic material. Different embodiments of the spring ring 10 are going to be explained further below.
- Figs. 4 to 6 disclose a second embodiment of the mirror adjustment mechanism 1 in principle comprising the same parts as the first embodiment described before.
- a base part 2 is pivotally arranged relative to a mirror support 3, wherein between the base part 2 and the mirror support 3 a damping means 4 is arranged comprising a collar portion 6 coupled to the mirror support 3, encompassing a ball portion 8, coupled to the base part 2. Again this arrangement could be provided vice versa.
- a slide element 10 is slidingly engaged between the ball portion 8 and the collar portion 6 in such a way that it restrains movement of the collar portion 6 relative to the ball portion 8 resulting from movement of the mirror support 3 relative to the base part 2, wherein the slide element is a spring ring 10 slidingly abutting on contact surfaces 12 of the ball portion 8 and coupled to the collar portion 6. Therefore, all the before mentioned features of first embodiment are also applicable to said second embodiment of a mirror adjustment mechanism and are not mentioned here for redundancy reasons.
- the spring ring 10 is here abutting against the ball portion 8 and respective contact surfaces 12 with distinct abutment portions 16 which are here preferably formed as projections or similar embossments. These abutment portions 16 are extending through recesses or similar openings 18 provided in the collar portion 6.
- the spring ring 10 is attached on the outside of the collar portion 6, i.e. on the outer side of flap elements arranged at the collar portions, extending through the recesses 18 in the collar portion 6 in such a way that the abutment portions 16 are abutting against the contact surfaces 12.
- the spring ring 10 is reliably positioned and the adjustment mechanism 1 easy to assemble.
- the contact areas i.e. the areas where the spring ring 10 abuts against the contact surfaces 12 of the ball portion 8
- impact of moisture, dirt and temperature can be reduced.
- Figs. 7 to 10 are schematically showing different embodiments of the spring ring 10.
- Fig. 7 discloses one embodiment where the spring ring 10 is provided as an open ring element having free endings 17, wherein the spring ring 10 is made from an elastic material and preferably from spring steel. By bending the free endings 17 away from each other the diameter d R of the spring ring 10 can be increased thereby pretensioning the spring ring.
- a spring ring 10 is e.g. provided with the embodiment shown with figs. 1 to 3 .
- Fig. 8 discloses a further embodiment of the spring ring 10 provided with the abutment portions 16, as explained with regard to the second embodiment of figs. 4 to 6 . Also this spring ring 10 is constructed as an open ring element which diameter d R could be elastically increased and/or reduced.
- Fig. 9 discloses a spring ring 10 which is provided as a closed ring element comprising zigzag or similar bended portions which could be deflected and/or stretched even along the longitudinal axis of the spring ring 10, shown with reference signs A L .
- a spring ring 10 is preferably manufactured from metal or a similar flexible plastic and preferably from spring steel.
- FIG. 10 A similar embodiment is disclosed with fig. 10 , wherein the spring ring 10 is provided as a coil spring ring element which diameter can be increased by elongation the ring along the longitudinal axis A L .
- a closed spring ring can also be constructed from an elastic material and preferably from a material which is flexibly prolongable along its longitudinal axis, preferably from a thermoplastic rubber. With this embodiment the above bended portions can be omitted.
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- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Multimedia (AREA)
- Rear-View Mirror Devices That Are Mounted On The Exterior Of The Vehicle (AREA)
Description
- The invention relates to a mirror adjustment mechanism according to the introductory portion of claim 1 and a wing mirror unit for a motor vehicle according to the introductory portion of
claim 18. In detail the invention relates to a mirror adjustment mechanism, in particular for a wing mirror for a motor vehicle, having a base part with a mirror support arranged pivotally relative thereto, wherein between the base part and the mirror support a damping means is arranged, comprising a collar portion, coupled to the mirror support, encompassing a ball portion, coupled to the base portion, or vice versa, both constituting a ball joint arrangement. - Such a mirror adjustment mechanism is well known. The pivotable arrangement of the mirror support relative to the base part makes it possible to adjust a mirror element coupled with the mirror support relative to the base part. The damping means prevents vibrations of the mirror element relative to the base part. Especially at higher speeds and with mirror elements having relatively high weights, such vibrations can become strongly manifest.
- In the known mirror adjustment mechanism, the damping means is provided as a damping spring constructed as a resilient flap, injection molded integrally with the actuator housing, which cooperates with the inner surface of an annular flange injection molded integrally with the mirror support. Other systems are known where the respective parts are provided vice versa. In another mirror adjustment mechanism, the damping spring is constructed as a spring leg integrally injection molded with the mirror support, which cooperates with the inner side of the mirror cap.
- An advantage of a plastic damping spring that cooperates with a plastic contact track is the good damping of vibrations.
- However, a disadvantage is that the spring force of the plastic damping spring is not constant. For instance, the spring force decreases over time as a result of relaxation of the plastic material. Relaxation is the phenomenon that in a deformed plastic part, given equal loading, the internal stresses become lower over time, and that as a result the force exerted by the deformed part on its environment also becomes smaller. Also, the spring force of the plastic material is considerably lower at high temperatures.
- In view of this, in practice, the mirror adjustment mechanism is provided with a relatively high initial spring force. This makes assembly more difficult and requires a relatively heavy construction. When the mirror adjustment mechanism is provided with an electrical drive, the high initial clamping force necessitates the use of relatively heavy-duty and costly electric motors to overcome the rather high moments of friction connected with the relatively high clamping force.
- Further it is known that due to the construction of the base part and the mirror support pivotally arranged relative to each other play is provided especially between the base part and the mirror support and between the portions of the damping means which under certain circumstances and especially when a user presses against the mirror attached to the mirror support, causes a wobbly and low quality impression.
- From
DE 20 2005 018 289 a mirror adjustment mechanism is known comprising a damping means with a damping spring enforced by an auxiliary spring, wherein this auxiliary spring is provided as a bending rod or a band spring arranged at the mirror support forcing a damping spring member against a damping spring counter member. The auxiliary spring is thereby received in complex bearing means. Such an arrangement is elaborately to assemble.Document FR 2 714 638 A1 claim 18. - The invention especially relates to a mirror adjustment mechanism, in particular for a wing mirror for a motor vehicle, having a base part with a mirror support arranged pivotally relative thereto, wherein between the base part and the mirror support a damping means is arranged, comprising a collar portion, coupled to the mirror support, encompassing a ball portion, coupled to the base part, or vice versa, both constituting a ball joint arrangement, wherein a slide element slidingly engaged between the ball portion and the collar portion in such a way that it restrains movement of the collar portion relative to the ball portion, resulting from movement the mirror support relative to the base part, wherein the slide element is a spring ring slidingly abutting on contact surfaces of the ball portion and coupled to the collar portion.
- By the use of the above arrangement the base part and the mirror support, whilst preserving the good damping properties, can be placed under relative action in a durable, very effective and reliable manner, wherein due to the arrangement of the spring ring slidingly abutting on contact surfaces of the ball portion and coupled to the collar portion a more reliable and more easy to assemble mirror adjustment mechanism can be provided. Further, and with regard to known systems from the art, as a consequence, the initial spring force can be chosen to be considerably lower, so that assembly can be facilitated, the construction can be made of lighter design, and any electric motors can likewise be made of lighter design.
- Using a slide element constructed as a spring ring which is slidingly abutting on contact surfaces of the ball portion and which is further coupled to the collar portion provides a damping means which eliminates vibrations and especially high frequency vibrations the mirror adjustment mechanism is subjected to especially during use, wherein further an assembly is provided which can without difficulty be assembled comprising easy to manufacture parts.
- In the light of the invention preferably a ball joint arrangement is an arrangement where the outer collar portion encompasses the inner ball portion in such a way that the two portions are pivotably connected to each other, but non-detachably coupled in at least one direction and/or axis, under the impact of normal forces, occurring during use of the mirror adjustment mechanism. This axis is here the connection axis between the ball portion and the collar portion.
- The ball portion could be every portion comprising contact surfaces arranged complementary to the collar portion so that the above pivotable arrangement in combination with the coupling in at least one direction and/or axis is provided. One embodiment of such a ball portion could for example be a cup- or spherical-shaped body, wherein this body can comprise distinct and separated contact surfaces or comprise one or more consistent contact surfaces, the surfaces preferably extending along the ball portion and especially along its outer surfaces. It is also possible to provide such a ball portion only by an annular or similar curved or spherical arrangement of contact surfaces and similar surfaces, which are preferably distant from each other and which are preferably separated by recesses, even or uneven elements etc. The same applies to a collar portion, which could comprise collar elements and preferably flaps arranged consistent around the collar portion or distinct and separated from each other.
- Preferably the spring ring is constructed as a separate part, and preferably a separate part which is detachably mounted to the mirror adjustment mechanism. This enables the use of a specific spring rings dependent on the mirror mounted to the mirror support, the intended use of the mirror, the forces acting on the mirror adjustment mechanism etc. By use of a specific spring ring the mirror adjustment mechanism can be easily adapted to the respective needs.
- Preferably the spring ring is coupled and arranged in such a way that it slides along the contact surfaces of the ball portion when the mirror support is pivoted relative to the base part. As the spring ring is abutting on the contact surfaces of the ball portion, friction forces are interacting between the spring ring and the contact surfaces. If the spring ring slides along the contact surfaces of the ball portion, when the mirror support is pivoted relative to the base part, these friction forces have to be overcome, thereby hindering movement of the ball portion relative to the collar portion resulting in damping of movement between the two portions and further between the base part and the mirror support. Beside these damping abilities pivoting of the mirror support relative to the base part is possible, thereby overcoming the friction forces i.a. applied by the spring ring.
- Dependent on the geometric form and arrangement of the contact surfaces arranged at the ball portion, beside the above friction forces also bending forces are acting on the spring ring during the relative movement of the base part and the mirror support, resulting in additional forces and in detail spring forces to be overcome while moving the mirror support relative to the base part.
- Preferably the collar portion is coupled to the spring ring in such a way that it has no direct contact to the ball portion and preferably to the contact surfaces. In other words, the collar portion and preferably an attachment area, the area the spring ring is coupled to the collar portion, is distant from the ball portion. Therefore damping and pivoting hindering abilities of the mirror adjustment mechanism are dependent on the spring ring features and not on the collar portion arrangement. Therefore these abilities are easy to adjust. Furthermore, assembly of the damping spring and the base part and the mirror support respectively is easily possible.
- Preferably the collar portion is arranged and coupled to the spring ring in such a way that it forces at least part of the slide element against the contact surface of the ball portion. This i.a. results in increased friction forces acting on the contact surface and therefore in an increased damping ability. Furthermore by adjusting the force acting from the collar portion via the spring ring on the ball portion, the initial spring force can be easily chosen and adapted dependent on the respective needs.
- Preferably the ball portion at least partly comprises a cup or similar spherical shape, with a base portion facing in a proximal direction away from the collar portion and at least one inclined or similar curved side wall comprising at least one contact surface and extending in an opposite direction, namely a distal direction. Preferably the cup-shaped or similar spherical-shaped ball portion is abutting and/or attached to the base part or the mirror support, respectively, via its base portion. Such a base portion could be any portion where the inclined or similar curved side walls are attached or connected to. Having in mind the respectively arranged ball portion, the collar portion is preferably constructed in a complementary way, at least partly encompassing the cup-shaped or spherical-shaped ball portion and preferably in such a way that the ball portion could be pivoted relative to the collar portion, however being coupled to the collar portion in at least one axial direction and/or axis.
- Preferably the ball portion broadens in its distal direction and preferably in the area of its contact surfaces and more preferably in the area where the collar portion encompasses the ball portion. Broadening preferably means that planes extending perpendicular to the distal direction and defined by the respective parts of the contact surfaces increase along said distal direction.
- Preferably the spring ring is attached onto the ball portion abutting to the contact surfaces and coupled with the collar element in such a pretensioned way that it forces the ball portion and the collar portion against its each other. For example, if a spring ring is attached on inclined contact surfaces in a pretensioned way, e.g. if its ring diameter is elastically increased, the spring ring tries to slide along these inclined contact surfaces, thereby reducing the pretension and decreasing its diameter, respectively. This also applies if the contact surfaces are not simply inclined, but curved or similarly arranged.
- Preferably the spring ring is attached to the ball portion abutting the contact surfaces in a pretensioned way resulting in an increased ring diameter when the base part and the mirror support are arranged in a neutral position without pivotation relative to each other. With this embodiment the two portions are pretensioned relative to each other even in a neutral position. This results in a sufficient and reliable damping and also in elimination of play occurring between the two portions and between the base part and the mirror support.
- Preferably the contact surface is arranged in such a way that during a pivotation of the mirror support relative to the base part of basically ±15°, preferably basically ±12.5°, the spring ring abuts against at least one of the contact surfaces. During this pivotation the spring ring and its respective abutment portions of the spring ring slide along the contact surfaces corresponding to the ±15°, preferably basically ±12.5° pivotation.
- Preferably the contact surface comprises a constant curvature in an area the slide ring slides along during a pivotation of the mirror support relative to the base part of basically ±15°, preferably basically ±12.5°. In other words the contact surface comprises a constant curvature at least along a length the spring ring and its respective abutment portions travel along the contact surfaces during the pivotation.
- Preferably the spring ring is constructed in such a way that its ring diameter can be elastically increased. This could be achieved for example by manufacturing the spring ring as an elastically open ring element, wherein for increasing the diameter of the open ring element the free ends of the open ring element have to be forced away from each other. However, this could also be achieved when manufacturing the spring ring as an element, flexibly prolongable along its longitudinal axis. Such an arrangement could for example be a spring ring made from a helical or coil spring, respectively. Such an arrangement could also be achieved by using an elastic material for manufacturing the spring ring. Preferably and especially if the spring ring is constructed as an open ring element, its material is made from a metal and preferably from spring steel.
- The spring ring can also be manufactured from elastomeric material, for instance natural rubber or thermoplastic rubber, e.g. as an elastically rubber or similar ring element.
- Especially when the spring ring is manufactured from thermoplastic elastomeric material, it can be efficiently manufactured by means of so-called two-component injection molding.
- When the mirror adjustment mechanism is provided with several damping springs, these too, of course, can be placed under the action of one or more spring rings.
- Preferably the spring ring abuts against the ball portion with distinct abutment portions preferably formed as projections or similar embossments. These abutment portions reduce the contact areas of the spring ring and therefore reduce the impact moisture, temperature and dirt has on the mirror adjustment mechanism. The abutment portions could for example be defined by projections of the spring ring, wherein these projections are e.g. respective bendings of the spring ring. It is also possible to provide respective projections by integrally attaching additional material to the spring ring, for example respective thickenings, or attaching respective abutment elements, which are for example clamped or similar attached and preferably detachably attached to the spring ring. Here e.g. separate thickening elements or similar projection elements could be attached to the spring ring.
- Preferably the spring ring is arranged at and/or attached to the collar portion, wherein the collar portion has recesses or similar openings the spring ring extends through for abutting on the ball portion and preferably extends through with abutment portions preferably formed as projections or similar embossments as mentioned before.
- The invention also relates to a wing mirror unit for a motor vehicle, comprising a mirror cap provided with a mirror adjustment mechanism according to any of the before mentioned embodiments, and a mirror unit coupled with the mirror support of the mirror adjustment mechanism.
- Further advantageous embodiments of the invention are set forth in the sub claims.
- The invention will be elucidated on the basis of two exemplary embodiments which are represented in the drawings.
- In the drawing:
-
Fig. 1 shows a schematic perspective view of a first embodiment of the mirror adjustment mechanism, -
Fig. 2 shows a schematic perspective cross-section of the embodiment offig. 1 ; -
Fig. 3 shows another schematic perspective view of the embodiment offig. 1 ; -
Fig. 4 shows a schematic perspective view of a second embodiment of the mirror adjustment mechanism, -
Fig. 5 shows a schematic perspective cross-section of the embodiment offig. 4 ; -
Fig. 6 shows another schematic perspective view of the embodiment offig. 4 ; -
Figs. 7 to 10 show different embodiments of the spring ring. - It is noted that the figures are only schematic representations of advantageous embodiments of the invention, which are given by way of nonlimiting exemplary embodiments. In the figures, the same or corresponding parts are designated with the same reference numerals, wherein high indices may be used.
-
Figs. 1-3 show a mirror adjustment mechanism 1 for a wing mirror for a motor vehicle. The mirror adjustment mechanism 1 comprises abase part 2 with amirror support 3 arranged pivotably relative thereto. In this embodiment, the pivotable arrangement is realized by means of a cross piece, not shown, with which a cardan joint betweenbase part 2 andmirror support 3 is realized. The crosspiece can pivot about a first axis, for instance the x-axis, relative to thebase part 2. Themirror support 3 is subsequently pivotable about a second axis, for instance the y-axis, connected with the cross piece. This manner of connecting thebase part 2, which is here formed by the actuator housing, is generally known and is used inter alia in the product Mirror Actuator model 960 of Eaton Automotive B.V. and is described more in detail in the Dutch patent application7905806 . - Arranged between the
base part 2 and themirror support 3 is a dampingmeans 4. In this exemplary embodiment, the damping means comprises acollar portion 6, which is coupled to themirror support 3 and which encompasses aball portion 8, wherein saidball portion 8 is coupled to thebase part 2. Of course, this arrangement could be provided vice versa, which means that the collar portion is coupled to the base part and the ball portion is coupled to the mirror support, respectively. - The coupling of the before mentioned
portions mirror support 3 and thebase part 2, respectively, could be provided in multiple ways, e.g. as an integral connection, a detachable connection or as an assembly detachable or non-detachable etc. - The
collar portion 6 encompasses theball portion 8 in such a way that they both constitute a ball joint arrangement. This means that the twoportions figs. 1 to 3 , the relative pivoting of the twoportions Fig. 2 . - As can be seen with
figs. 2 and 3 , aslide element 10 is slidingly engaged between theball portion 8 and thecollar portion 6 in such a way that it restrains movement of thecollar portion 6 relative to theball portion 8, resulting from movement of themirror support 3 relative to thebase part 2, wherein theslide element 10 is aspring ring 10 slidingly abutting oncontact surfaces 12 of theball portion 8 and which is further coupled to thecollar portion 6. - As can be seen in
fig. 2 , thespring ring 10 is constructed as a separate part, preferably a separate part which is detachably mounted. This is also depicted infig. 3 , wherein here all related parts of the adjustment mechanism except for thespring ring 10 are drawn translucent to enable a perspective view of thespring ring 10. - As further can be seen with
fig. 2 , thespring ring 10 is coupled and arranged in such a way that it slides along the contact surfaces 12 of theball portion 8, when themirror support 3 is pivoted relative to the base part 2 (resulting in a deflection ± α). Here the respective contact surfaces 12 are arranged distinct from each other separated byrecess portions 13. Theserecess portions 13 are here used for assembling the different parts of thebase part 2. - Further it can be seen that in this particular embodiment the
collar portion 6 is preferably coupled to thespring ring 10 in such a way that it has no direct contact to theball portion 8 and furthermore no direct contact to the respective contact surfaces 12. That means that thecollar portion 6 is distant from theball portion 8 and the contact surfaces 12, respectively, especially in the area where thespring ring 10 is arranged. - The
collar portion 6 is preferably arranged and coupled to thespring ring 10 in such a way that it forces at least part of thespring ring 10 against the contact surfaces 12 of theball portion 8. Here thecollar portion 6 forces thespring ring 10 against the contact surfaces of the ball portion in two axis, namely along an axis Ap parallel to a distal direction DD and along an axis AV vertical to said direction DD (seefigs 1 and 2 ). - In this particular embodiment the
collar portion 8 preferably has at least one hook orsimilar coupling element 7 by which it is detachably hooked or similarly coupled to thespring ring 10. Preferably saidhook element 7 comprises a first flank 7.1 hooking against thespring ring 10 in such a way that when thecollar portion 6 is forced relative to thebase part 2 in a distal direction DD (i.e. forced away from the base portion, seefig. 1 ) a force is initiated on thespring ring 10 also acting in this distal direction DD. Further thehook element 7 comprises a second flank 7.2 which is arranged in such a way that it forces at least part of thespring ring 10 against the contact surfaces 12 of the ball portion in a direction perpendicular to the before mentioned distal direction DD. - As can be seen in
figs. 1 to 3 , the corresponding contact surfaces 12 of theball portion 8 are inclined relative to this distal direction DD so that the before mentioned forces initiated by the first flank 7.1 and the second flank 7.2 result in an elastic deflection of thespring ring 10 increasing its ring diameter dR (seefig. 7 ) against the spring forces of thespring 10. - Due to the above the
spring ring 10 attached to theball portion 8 and its contact surfaces 12 restrains movement of thecollar portion 6 relative to theball portion 8. This means that if themirror support 3 is pivoted relative to thebase part 2, the resulting movement in the dampingspring 4, namely the movement of thecollar portion 6 and theball portion 8, is restrained. This applies to deflections resulting for example from the adaption of a mirror angle, but also from vibrations and micro vibrations the mirror adjustment mechanism is subjected to, for example during car driving etc. - With this embodiment the
ball portion 8 comprises a cup or similar spherical shape, wherein abase portion 14 of this cup shape is facing in a proximal direction Dp (seefig. 1 ), i.e. away from thecollar portion 6, and wherein at least one inclined or similarlycurved side wall 16 which comprises the contact surfaces 12 is extending in an opposite direction, namely in the distal direction DD. Theball portion 8 with this embodiment broadens in its distal direction DD and preferably in the area of its contact surfaces 12 and more preferably in the area where thecollar portion 6 encompasses theball portion 8. - In general and especially because of this cup-shaped arrangement of the
ball portion 8 thespring ring 10 is preferably attached onto theball portion 8 abutting to the contact surfaces 12 and coupled with thecollar element 6 in such a pretensioned way that it forces theball portion 8 and thecollar portion 6 against each other. - Further the
spring ring 10 is preferably attached to theball portion 8 abutting the contact surfaces 12 in a pretensioned way, which is resulting in an increased ring diameter of thespring ring 10. With this embodiment this is the case especially when thebase part 2 and themirror support 3 are arranged in a neutral position without pivotation relative to each other (α=0, seefig. 2 ). Because of said pretensioning, play between thebase part 2 and themirror support 3 is reliably limited. Due to the arrangement of the inclined or curved contact surfaces 12 and theabutting spring ring 10 coupled to thecollar portion 6, thebase part 2 and themirror support 3 are prestressed against each other, wherein especially by use of a respective counter bearings (not shown) a snug fit of the twoparts - Especially when a user presses against the
mirror support 3 or a mirror attached to it and especially in the proximal direction Dp (seefig. 1 ), for example if he tries to adapt the mirror angle, no play occurs, despite an easy and smooth pivotability between thebase part 2 and themirror support 3. - As can be seen in
fig. 2 , thebase part 2 and themirror support 3 are arranged relative to each other in a neutral position, where a pivotation angle α is zero. The contact surfaces 12 are, however, arranged in such a way that during a pivotation of themirror support 3 relative to thebase part 2 of basically α=±15° and preferably basically 12.5° thespring ring 10 preferably continuously abuts against at least one of the contact surfaces 12 and in detail slides along the same. In more detail here the contact surfaces 12 preferably comprise a constant curvature in an area thespring ring 10 slides along during the before mentioned pivotation of themirror support 3 relative to thebase part 2 of basically ±15°, preferably basically 12.5°. - With regard to the abutment of the
spring ring 10 to the contact surfaces 12 it can be seen especially infigs. 1 and 3 that the spring ring only abuts to theball portion 8 in individual contact surfaces 12 which are separated from each other by therecesses 13. Here all different separation elements known from the art could be used for separation of the contact surfaces. Furthermore, the punctual abutment of thespring ring 12 in multiple abutment portions (this are the portions in contact with the contact surfaces 12) furthermore guarantees a smooth sliding along theball portion 8 and its contact surfaces 12. - By reducing the abutment areas were the
spring ring 10 abuts against theball portion 8, i.a. impact on the friction forces due to moisture, temperature and dirt entering the adjustment mechanism can be reduced. Therefore preferably thespring ring 10 comprises distinct abutment portions which are preferably formed as projections or similar embossments, wherein of course it is also possible that these abutment portions are generated by the separation of multiple distinct contact surfaces on theball portion 8 as shown infigs. 1 to 3 . - With this embodiment the
spring ring 10 is constructed in such a way that its ring diameter can be elastically increased. In more detail thespring ring 10 is preferably manufactured from metal and here from spring steel and furthermore as an elastically open ring element. Instead of such an open ring element also aspring ring 10 could be used which is constructed as an element, flexibly prolongable along its longitudinal axis, and preferably as a closed ring element. Such aspring ring 10 could for example be a spring ring made from a helical or coil spring or having a zigzag arrangement constructed from an elastic material. Different embodiments of thespring ring 10 are going to be explained further below. -
Figs. 4 to 6 disclose a second embodiment of the mirror adjustment mechanism 1 in principle comprising the same parts as the first embodiment described before. Again abase part 2 is pivotally arranged relative to amirror support 3, wherein between thebase part 2 and the mirror support 3 a dampingmeans 4 is arranged comprising acollar portion 6 coupled to themirror support 3, encompassing aball portion 8, coupled to thebase part 2. Again this arrangement could be provided vice versa. Further aslide element 10 is slidingly engaged between theball portion 8 and thecollar portion 6 in such a way that it restrains movement of thecollar portion 6 relative to theball portion 8 resulting from movement of themirror support 3 relative to thebase part 2, wherein the slide element is aspring ring 10 slidingly abutting oncontact surfaces 12 of theball portion 8 and coupled to thecollar portion 6. Therefore, all the before mentioned features of first embodiment are also applicable to said second embodiment of a mirror adjustment mechanism and are not mentioned here for redundancy reasons. - However, as can be seen in
figs. 4 to 5 , thespring ring 10 is here abutting against theball portion 8 and respective contact surfaces 12 withdistinct abutment portions 16 which are here preferably formed as projections or similar embossments. Theseabutment portions 16 are extending through recesses orsimilar openings 18 provided in thecollar portion 6. - In detail with this embodiment the
spring ring 10 is attached on the outside of thecollar portion 6, i.e. on the outer side of flap elements arranged at the collar portions, extending through therecesses 18 in thecollar portion 6 in such a way that theabutment portions 16 are abutting against the contact surfaces 12. By such an arrangement thespring ring 10 is reliably positioned and the adjustment mechanism 1 easy to assemble. Furthermore, due to the reduction of the contact areas, i.e. the areas where thespring ring 10 abuts against the contact surfaces 12 of theball portion 8, impact of moisture, dirt and temperature can be reduced. -
Figs. 7 to 10 are schematically showing different embodiments of thespring ring 10. -
Fig. 7 discloses one embodiment where thespring ring 10 is provided as an open ring element havingfree endings 17, wherein thespring ring 10 is made from an elastic material and preferably from spring steel. By bending thefree endings 17 away from each other the diameter dR of thespring ring 10 can be increased thereby pretensioning the spring ring. Such aspring ring 10 is e.g. provided with the embodiment shown withfigs. 1 to 3 . -
Fig. 8 discloses a further embodiment of thespring ring 10 provided with theabutment portions 16, as explained with regard to the second embodiment offigs. 4 to 6 . Also thisspring ring 10 is constructed as an open ring element which diameter dR could be elastically increased and/or reduced. -
Fig. 9 discloses aspring ring 10 which is provided as a closed ring element comprising zigzag or similar bended portions which could be deflected and/or stretched even along the longitudinal axis of thespring ring 10, shown with reference signs AL. Such aspring ring 10 is preferably manufactured from metal or a similar flexible plastic and preferably from spring steel. - A similar embodiment is disclosed with
fig. 10 , wherein thespring ring 10 is provided as a coil spring ring element which diameter can be increased by elongation the ring along the longitudinal axis AL. - A closed spring ring can also be constructed from an elastic material and preferably from a material which is flexibly prolongable along its longitudinal axis, preferably from a thermoplastic rubber. With this embodiment the above bended portions can be omitted.
Claims (18)
- A mirror adjustment mechanism (1), in particular for a wing mirror for a motor vehicle, having a base part (2) with a mirror support (3) arranged pivotally relative thereto, wherein
between the base part (2) and the mirror support (3) a damping means (4) is arranged, comprising
a collar portion (6), coupled to the mirror support (3), encompassing a ball portion (8), coupled to the base part (2), or vice versa, both constituting a ball joint arrangement, characterized in
a slide element (10) slidingly engaged between the ball portion (8) and the collar portion (6) in such a way that it restrains movement of the collar portion (6) relative to the ball portion (8), resulting from movement the mirror support (3) relative to the base part (2), wherein
the slide element (10) is a spring ring slidingly abutting on contact surfaces (12) of the ball portion (8) and coupled to the collar portion (6). - A mirror adjustment mechanism (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the spring ring (10) is coupled and arranged in such way that it slides along the contact surfaces (12) of the ball portion (8), when the mirror support (3) is pivoted relative to the base part (2).
- A mirror adjustment mechanism (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the collar portion (6) is coupled to the spring ring (10) in such a way that it has no direct contact to the ball portion (8) and preferably to the contact surfaces (12).
- A mirror adjustment mechanism (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the collar portion (6) is arranged and coupled to the spring ring (10) in such a way that it forces at least part of the slide element (10) against the contact surfaces (12) of the ball portion (8).
- A mirror adjustment mechanism (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the ball portion (8) at least partly has a cup or similar spherical shape, with a base portion (14) facing in a proximal direction away from the collar portion (6) and at least one inclined or similar curved side wall comprising at least one contact surface and extending in an opposite, namely a distal direction.
- A mirror adjustment mechanism (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the ball portion (8) broadens in its distal direction and preferably in the area of its contact surfaces (12) and more preferably in the area where the collar portion (6) encompasses the ball portion (8).
- A mirror adjustment mechanism (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the collar portion (6) has a hock or similar coupling element (7) by which it is detachably hocked or similar coupled to the spring ring (10).
- A mirror adjustment mechanism (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the spring ring (10) is attached onto the ball portion (8) abutting to the contact surfaces (12) and coupled with the collar element in such a pretensioned way that it forces the base part (2) and the collar portion (6) against each other.
- A mirror adjustment mechanism (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the spring ring (10) is attached to the ball portion (8) abutting the contact surfaces (12) in a pretensioned way resulting in an increased ring diameter, when the base part (2) and the mirror support (3) are arranged in a neutral position without pivotation relative to each other.
- A mirror adjustment mechanism (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the contact surface is arranged in such a way that during a pivotation of the mirror support (3) relative to the base part (2) of basically ±15° preferably basically ±12,5°, the spring ring (10) abuts against at least one of the contact surfaces (12).
- A mirror adjustment mechanism (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the contact surface comprises a constant curvature in area the slide ring slides along during a pivotation of the mirror support (3) relative to the base part (2) of basically ±15° preferably basically 12,5°.
- A mirror adjustment mechanism (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the spring ring (10) is constructed in such a way that its ring diameter can be elastically increased.
- A mirror adjustment mechanism (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the spring ring (10) is manufactured from metal, preferably from spring steel.
- A mirror adjustment mechanism (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the spring ring (10) is constructed as an elastically open ring element.
- A mirror adjustment mechanism (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the spring ring (10) is constructed as an element, flexibly prolongable along its longitudinal axis.
- A mirror adjustment mechanism (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the spring ring (10) is abutting against the ball portion (8) with distinct abutment portions (16) preferably formed as projections or similar embossments.
- A mirror adjustment mechanism (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the spring ring (10) is attached to the collar portion (6), the collar portion (6) having recesses (13) or similar openings the spring ring (10) extends through for abutting onto the ball portion (8) and preferably extends through with abutment portions (16) preferably formed as projections or similar embossments.
- A wing mirror unit for a motor vehicle, comprising a mirror cap provided with a mirror adjustment mechanism (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, and a mirror unit coupled with the mirror support (3) of the mirror adjustment mechanism (1).
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
NL2012333A NL2012333B1 (en) | 2014-02-28 | 2014-02-28 | Mirror adjustment mechanism, in particular for a wing mirror for a motor vehicle. |
PCT/NL2015/050121 WO2015130170A1 (en) | 2014-02-28 | 2015-02-27 | Mirror adjustment mechanism, in particular for a wing mirror for a motor vehicle |
Publications (2)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
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EP3110663A1 EP3110663A1 (en) | 2017-01-04 |
EP3110663B1 true EP3110663B1 (en) | 2018-04-04 |
Family
ID=50514018
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
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EP15710950.5A Active EP3110663B1 (en) | 2014-02-28 | 2015-02-27 | Mirror adjustment mechanism, in particular for a wing mirror for a motor vehicle |
Country Status (7)
Country | Link |
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US (1) | US10232777B2 (en) |
EP (1) | EP3110663B1 (en) |
JP (1) | JP6535680B2 (en) |
KR (1) | KR20160125994A (en) |
CN (1) | CN106029445B (en) |
NL (1) | NL2012333B1 (en) |
WO (1) | WO2015130170A1 (en) |
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JP6704382B2 (en) * | 2016-11-14 | 2020-06-03 | エスエムエル・パテンツ・エス・ア・エル・エル | Rear view device with moveable head assembly |
NL2019778B1 (en) * | 2017-10-20 | 2019-04-29 | Mci Mirror Controls Int Netherlands B V | Fixing structure, in particular for an outside view unit of a motor vehicle |
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2014
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-
2015
- 2015-02-27 JP JP2016554338A patent/JP6535680B2/en active Active
- 2015-02-27 CN CN201580010953.9A patent/CN106029445B/en active Active
- 2015-02-27 WO PCT/NL2015/050121 patent/WO2015130170A1/en active Application Filing
- 2015-02-27 US US15/117,135 patent/US10232777B2/en active Active
- 2015-02-27 EP EP15710950.5A patent/EP3110663B1/en active Active
- 2015-02-27 KR KR1020167025122A patent/KR20160125994A/en unknown
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WO2015130170A1 (en) | 2015-09-03 |
EP3110663A1 (en) | 2017-01-04 |
CN106029445A (en) | 2016-10-12 |
JP6535680B2 (en) | 2019-06-26 |
NL2012333B1 (en) | 2015-10-19 |
US20170167561A1 (en) | 2017-06-15 |
CN106029445B (en) | 2019-07-19 |
US10232777B2 (en) | 2019-03-19 |
KR20160125994A (en) | 2016-11-01 |
NL2012333A (en) | 2015-10-12 |
JP2017506601A (en) | 2017-03-09 |
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